The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the majority of the Commonwealth (except Cape Cod and the Islands). A Blizzard Watch is in effect for Essex County, Eastern Plymouth County, Barnstable County and Nantucket. The storm will essentially unfold in two waves: the first wave beginning by noon today with snow over western, central and northeastern Massachusetts, and a wintry mix of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain or all rain over southeastern, Massachusetts, the Cape and Islands. There is potential for minor coastal flooding today for the east coast (Boston to Plymouth). A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for these areas.

There may be a brief lull in precipitation in the overnight hours before the second wave of the storm begins early Monday morning, when snowfall picks up, especially across Eastern/Northeastern MA, continuing through midday Monday. During this period, there is potential for reduced visibility of 1/4 of a mile or less, near white-out conditions, and snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. In addition on Monday, much of the Commonwealth will experience sustained winds of 20 – 40 mph, with gusts of 60-65 mph possible. Highest winds will be over coastal Massachusetts, the Cape and Islands. There is also potential for minor to moderate coastal flooding during the mid-day tide Monday along north and west facing coastlines, with pockets of major flooding along the shorelines of Cape Cod Bay. A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect for these areas for this period of time.

Uncertainty: There is still a good degree of uncertainty as to where the low pressure area will be located. The storm center is expected to rapidly strengthen in the Gulf of Maine, however a slight nudge closer or further away will change a series of the impacts across Southern New England. There is also some uncertainty on how far north the snow-rain line associated with the first wave of the storm today will extend. There is the possibility of an extended period of freezing drizzle / rain for Southeast MA.

Add-A-Lane Contract V along a Section of Interstate 95 Includes 6 Bridges

Period of February 10th to 17th

Throughout the week of February 13th, 2017, Barletta Heavy Division (BHD), MassDOT’s contractor for the Route 128 Add-a-Lane Bridge V project, will continue construction operations. Work will be performed project-wide during the standard working hours of 7:00AM to 3:00PM.

At Kendrick Street, forming, reinforcing, and pouring the cast-in-place barrier south of the Kendrick Street median.

At Highland Avenue, project team members will erect structural steel over the southbound lanes (the west abutment) as well as install drainage throughout the week.

From Highland Avenue to Central Avenue, work will include installation of retaining wall piles throughout the week. In addition, forming, reinforcing, and pouring the Central Avenue wall and frame extension footings on the Southwest and Southeast sides will occur. Project team members will also build drilling pads for walls, and drill the southbound ledge cut.

At Route 9, work will include installation of mechanically stabilized earth walls along the North and South abutments, and drainage at ramps, which will occur throughout the week. In addition, forming, reinforcing, and pouring of pier footing will occur all week.

BHD will be closing lanes during off-peak hours to continue construction of all bridges. Lane closures are permitted and are necessary to create a safe work zone; drivers are asked to be aware of possible lane closures for their own safety and that of the project team. Please also note that all work is contingent upon the weather.

I hope you will join me for the annual Representative’s Report to the Community in Needham. I have been working hard to deliver results for our community, and am looking forward to sharing the 2016 year in review and 2017 year in preview. I encourage all members of the community to participate and discuss the year’s accomplishments, as well as share your goals and priorities for the upcoming year.

Courtesy of the Boston Globe;. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/01/10/with-too-few-nurses-for-kids-home-care-parents-push-for-action/fkw0UJtygQWO359ICRbqFL/story.html

As a mother and nurse, the complex struggles these families are facing are close to my heart and experiences. I am proud to be a sponsor of this legislation and work hand in hand with the dedicated parents pursuing what is necessary for their children.

I hope you will join me for the annual Representative’s Report to the Community in Dover. I have been working hard to deliver results for our community, and am looking forward to sharing the 2016 year in review and 2017 year in preview. I encourage all members of the community to participate and discuss the year’s accomplishments, as well as share your goals and priorities for the upcoming year.

Thank you to the Boston Globe Magazine for highlighting the return of the Needham 8:02 commuter rail train. This is an example of committed, involved community members and a thoughtful, responsive government working together to provide effective change. Click here to read the article!